We've had quite a weekend. Monumental in many ways, and totally ordinary in others. First of all, everything is just about in full bloom right now. The apple trees are lighting up one by one with pale pinkish-white blossoms, and are all abuzz with bees. The pear tree is at it's pinnacle of absolute blooming beauty. Right now. In a day, or perhaps even today, the steady fall of petals will begin and fruit will start to appear. She should really live it up while she's still got it.

And then there are the not fully bloomed but equally spectacular apple trees getting ready to burst into glory.

The rhubarb snuck up on on us before we expected it. This early bird of a fruit makes a damn tasty beverage too. It's rhubarb-onade if you haven't heard about it. Recipe to come, after we make it!

Speaking of recipes, this here is Dandelion Soup, made by Asa and Axel. Ingredients are: stagnant rain water, sticks, plum seeds from last season, grass, dandelions and a big rubber blue ball.

Asa the Chicken Catcher

My main man Andy had a rock show reunion this weekend. Humpy played on Saturday night with other Missoula vintage faves Sasshole and Spanker. What a line up! I haven't seen Andy rock out since the late 90's. They did not disappoint either. Some highlights were the oh-so-nostalgic mosh pit that formed a few songs into their set, the fact that smoking is now prohibited so you don't go home smelling like a giant cigarette butt, and drinking PBR. I was home by 12:30, and felt great the next day. As a thirty something mother of two, you couldn't ask for a more perfect rock show.

She now has three eggs in her nest, and she diligently sits atop them all day. We don't even use the front door anymore, so as not to scare her. Though a few times by accident one of us has flung open the door only to be met with an angry Agnes. She flies over to the fence post, looks you straight in the eye with her head cocked a bit, and unabashedly chirps you out. Then, when you've given her sufficient space, she'll fly back to her nest, fluff her feathers and settle down onto her eggs, looking quite smug I might add.

Agnes is pretty much always on her nest, except this morning. I noticed another, smaller, more red-breasted robin was perched on the side of her nest. I found it curious, so watched for a minute. I'm pretty sure this new robin is a male, because of his more red breast, so I'll call him Tom. After a few minutes, Tom flew off, and immediately Agnes flew back into her nest and settled on top of her eggs.

I haven't done my research yet, I aim to tonight, but could it be that the male mate helps protect the nest? I've noticed Tom hanging around in the front yard near the nest prior to this. But this was the first time I've seen him actually baby sitting the eggs while Agnes was off shopping or whatever. In light of this new information, I now have a total bird crush on Tom.

Do any of you have some robin nesting habit knowledge you'd like to share?